Retractable key case

Abstract

The present invention relates to a retractable key case enclosure for allowing access to at least one key and secured storage of at least one key. The retractable key enclosure of the present invention provides the user quick access to at least one key and provides a connection member for securing at least one key to the retractable key enclosure via a connection assembly. The retractable key enclosure preventing the loss of at least one key of the user by dropping the key or leaving the key within a lock. Next, a first opening and a cover member provide the user with a safe enclosed cavity to store at least one key when not in use. When retracted and not extended the retractable key enclosure provides a sleek and low-profile design for easy placement in areas with limited available space.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A retractable key enclosure for secure storage of at least one key, the retractable key enclosure comprising:
 a main housing having a primary perimeter edge, a top surface, and a bottom surface;   a first opening extending into the top surface of the main housing, wherein the first opening is arranged to hold at least one key;   a circular opening extending into the bottom surface of the main housing;   a second opening extending through and connecting to the first opening and the circular opening;   a cover member joined to the primary perimeter edge of the main housing, wherein the cover member holds the at least one key within the first opening;   a connection assembly arranged within the circular opening for assisting a user in returning the at least one key to the first opening, the connection assembly comprising:   a connection member joined to the connection assembly and joined to the at least one key;   a spring member, located within the circular opening;   a spool joined to the spring member, wherein the connection member is wrapped around the spool; and,   a second cover plate joined to the bottom surface of the main housing by a second plurality of fasteners, wherein the second cover plate holds the connection assembly within the circular opening.   
     
     
         2 . The retractable key enclosure of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a circular post located within the circular opening and extending away from the bottom surface and having a groove;   wherein the spring member further comprises a tag end and the tag end rests within the groove of the circular post and locks rotation of the spring member.   
     
     
         3 . The retractable key enclosure of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a ring member having a hinge, the ring member joined to the top surface of the main housing, wherein the ring member is free to rotate about the circular opening and articulate about the hinge; and,   a first cover plate joined to the top surface of the main housing by a first plurality of fasteners.   
     
     
         4 . The retractable key enclosure of  claim 1 , wherein the cover member is a permanent cover covering at least 10% of the first opening, wherein the at least one key is retained under the permanent cover. 
     
     
         5 . The retractable key enclosure of  claim 1 , wherein the connection member is at least one member of a connection set consisting of: a string, a cable, an elastic material, a chain, a rope, and a ribbon. 
     
     
         6 . The retractable key enclosure of  claim 1 , wherein the primary perimeter edge of the main housing includes a pair of receiving slots and the cover member includes at least one finger extending away from the cover member, wherein the at least one finger is a first finger and a second finger. 
     
     
         7 . The retractable key enclosure of  claim 6 , wherein the at least one finger of the cover member comprises an “L-shaped” cross-sectional area. 
     
     
         8 . The retractable key enclosure of  claim 7 , wherein the “L-shaped” cross-sectional area of the at least one finger of the cover member is configured to partially wrap around at least one of the pair of receiving slots. 
     
     
         9 . The retractable key enclosure of  claim 1 , wherein the cover member includes an external texture to grip a hand of the user. 
     
     
         10 . The retractable key enclosure of  claim 9 , wherein the external texture comprises at least one member of a texture set consisting of: indentations, extrusions, knurling, a rough surface, and bumps. 
     
     
         11 . The retractable key enclosure of  claim 1 , wherein the retractable key enclosure comprises at least one member of an identification set consisting of: an alphanumeric identification, a human user's name, a symbolic shape, a company brand, a numeric identification number, a QR code, a barcode, and an RFID tag. 
     
     
         12 . The retractable key enclosure of  claim 1 , wherein at least one key is chosen from a key set consisting of: a lock key, a RFID tag, a plastic card, a tool and an identification article of the user. 
     
     
         13 . The retractable key enclosure of  claim 1 , wherein the cover member is moved is a direction parallel to a plane of the top surface of the main body. 
     
     
         14 . A retractable key enclosure for secure storage of at least one key, the retractable key enclosure comprising:
 a main housing having a primary perimeter edge, a top surface, and a bottom surface;   a first opening extending into the top surface of the main housing, wherein the first opening is arranged to hold at least one key;   a circular opening extending into the bottom surface of the main housing;   a second opening extending through and connecting to the first opening and the circular opening;   a connection assembly arranged within the circular opening for assisting a user in returning the at least one key to the first opening, the connection assembly comprising:   a connection member joined to the connection assembly and joined to the at least one key;   a circular post located within the circular opening and extending away from the bottom surface and having a groove;   a spring member located within the circular opening and having a tag end, wherein the tag end rests within the groove of the circular post and locks rotation of the spring member;   a spool joined to the spring member, wherein the connection member is wrapped around the spool; and,   a second cover plate joined to the bottom surface of the main housing by a second plurality of fasteners, wherein the second cover plate holds the connection assembly within the circular opening.   
     
     
         15 . The retractable key enclosure of  claim 14 , wherein the first opening comprises a key-shaped indent extending into the top surface of the main housing, wherein at least one key is adjoined to the key-shaped indent with a snap-fit.